Don’t get me wrong, it’s great seven million people hit the streets to show their concern that the USA is becoming fascist. But let’s be realistic: nobody in the GOP or in the presidential office gives a shit; they are just sitting it out, knowing full well: on Monday it’s back to work for the common Joe. We’ve seen similar big protests in London against brexit and in Germany against the far right: politicians don’t care, the effect was very limited. What do they care about? Mainly to get re-elected, so activate voters. Or actions that pull in the press: throwing rotten eggs at politicians, the Brits have had some success with that. Example France or Netherlands: a couple of trucks with horse manure emptied on the White House lawn or blocking the senate entrance with tractors. For the USA, the Boston tea party comes to mind; now thát was a No Kings protest.
Hmmm… maybe. Maybe not.
This wave of protests is unique, because it’s drawing out thousands and thousands of people who have never been to protests before. It’s putting those people in touch with local organizations and organizers that are trying to push back- and that’s the most important first step
Right now we are all in algorithmic silos designed to keep people separated and isolated. If you break through that and get people to show up, consistently, and maintain the momentum you can build an actual movement.
In addition to that, it shows people they aren’t alone. It shows them there are people trying to push for change.
It’s a hell of a lot better than bitching on the internet and doing nothing else.